The third large molars located at the very back on both sides of the jaw are called wisdom teeth. They emerge on average in the 16 to 20 age range. Since they are the latest to erupt among the permanent teeth, there may not be enough space in the person's mouth for the wisdom teeth. This causes the wisdom teeth to remain impacted. So should these teeth be extracted before the problems caused by wisdom teeth begin? Adana private oral and dental health polyclinic Dentrum explained the frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth for you.
Everyone knows that teeth should be extracted when they cause health problems. However, this situation is a little different for wisdom teeth. Dentists all over the world are in debate over whether it is necessary to extract wisdom teeth that do not yet create any problem. Many families want to have their children's wisdom teeth extracted before they create any problem. However, experts have not yet reached a consensus on this issue.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Exist and Why Do They Cause Problems?
Wisdom teeth, which we can define as third molars, generally emerge toward the end of the teenage years. There are four wisdom teeth in total. There is one each in the upper and lower jaw, on the right and left sides. Experts who support the extraction of wisdom teeth at an early stage are of the opinion that it is easier to extract these teeth in the 15-25 age range. The fact that the tooth roots are smaller at a young age makes it possible to extract these teeth more easily. This situation is considered both safer and the healing process occurs faster. However, other experts are of the opinion that this procedure involves some risks. Moreover, published academic articles claim that the early extraction of wisdom teeth has no proven benefit. For this reason, dentists have not been able to reach a consensus on this issue.
Why Is the Extraction of Wisdom Teeth More Difficult Than the Extraction of Other Teeth?
Contrary to popular belief, it is not mandatory to extract all wisdom teeth. There are many people who can continue their lives without having their wisdom teeth extracted and without encountering any problem.
Since wisdom teeth are located at the very back part of the jawbone, in many cases these teeth cannot complete their normal eruption. Because these teeth cannot erupt in a healthy way, they remain impacted. The extraction of impacted wisdom teeth is quite difficult due to the bone obstacle. For this reason, it may be necessary to remove them with a surgical operation.
Have the Jaws Shrunk and Is There No Room Left for Wisdom Teeth?
As is known, in ancient times our ancestors did not eat processed foods as we do today. A more different jaw and tooth structure was needed to break down raw meat and vegetables. The impaction of wisdom teeth, which have difficulty finding room in our skull that has shrunk over thousands of years, or their leading to problems such as infection, also stands out as a natural result.
Experts draw attention to the reduction in tooth decay thanks to fluoride, in addition to the shrinkage in the jawbone and skull. People lose far fewer teeth compared to past years. This stands out as another reason why there is not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth.
Which Areas of the Body Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Affect?
The pain and infection experienced in wisdom teeth can also spread to other parts of the body. For this reason, it is necessary to intervene without delay in dangerous situations. In this way, the spread of the infection to the jawbone and from there to other parts of the body can be prevented.
Wisdom teeth located at the very last part of the jawbone can cause severe pain in front of the ear. Wisdom teeth, which cause severe pain especially in the ear and neck region, also create a feeling of pressure in the person's front teeth. This creates a feeling of pressure for the patient extending to the tip of the chin.
If unhealthy wisdom teeth are not extracted, they can lead to many negative situations extending to infections in the gum, abscess, and swelling in the face. In addition, the pressure created by the wisdom tooth trying to erupt can cause crookedness and irregularity in the other teeth.
What Measures Can Be Taken for Wisdom Teeth to Remain Healthy?
Whether wisdom teeth are doomed to decay by their nature is also among the topics people are curious about. Although it is rarer, there are also cases in which wisdom teeth maintain their function in a healthy way throughout life. It is likely that the wisdom teeth of people who attach importance to oral hygiene and care, brush their teeth at least twice a day, use dental floss and mouthwash, and go for regular dental examinations within six-month periods will remain healthy.
Can Wisdom Teeth Stay in the Mouth for a Lifetime?
As we stated at the beginning of the article, wisdom teeth do not always create problems. Wisdom teeth that erupt properly in the mouth, are protected in a healthy way without decay, or remain impacted can, albeit rarely, be preserved without problems.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted at an Early Stage?
The first thing we need to do is not to neglect our dentist appointments. The time we go for a regular check-up every 6 months, we are always a few steps ahead against possible dangers. The patient may want to have their wisdom teeth extracted before any problem occurs. Especially abroad, many young individuals prefer to have their wisdom teeth extracted during summer vacations. However, some patients are reluctant to have their wisdom teeth extracted before they cause a problem. Of course, third molars are not completely functionless. For this reason, as long as we can maintain their hygiene and health and they do not put pressure on the other teeth, there is no harm in them remaining in our mouth. The patient can make the most accurate decision together with their own dentist.
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Adana Wisdom Tooth Extraction Price
Wisdom tooth extraction prices in Adana vary depending on the dental clinic. The factors that determine wisdom tooth extraction prices vary according to the district and neighborhood where the dental clinic provides service, the experience of the dentist who will perform the treatment, the condition of the tooth, and the quality of the materials to be used in the operation.